About the Bournemouth & District Branch

The Bournemouth & District Branch serves people affected by multiple sclerosis in the Boroughs of Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch and in the Barton-on-Sea, Wimbourne & Verwood areas. It is run by volunteers who have direct experience of multiple sclerosis. The team offers support, information and advice to all those affected by MS, their families and carers of all ages. This includes emotional support, financial support, advice on holidays and respite care as appropriate in the strictest confidence at the centre, over the telephone or in your home. Our welfare support officers work closely with Social Services and the Primary Care Trust to ensure members receive the best support and treatment available.

Our branch currently has *** members but you do not have to be a member to contact us for advice help and support. There is a very full range of events and meetings throughout the year including outings to various attractions. Fetes, a shop and other initiatives provide valuable funds to underpin the voluntary work of the branch. The branch publishes also a newsletter, called Miscellany, which is distributed to all branch members. Branch members are also entitled to receive the MS Society's newsletter, MS Matters. Membership is by donation of a nominal sum of only £5 per year.

The branch is fortunate to have a purpose built facility for people affected by multiple sclerosis. The centre is a place to meet for; people with MS, their carers, volunteer helpers and supporters. Transport is arranged for the less able from and back to the surrounding areas. Lunch, coffee, tea and snacks are available at very reasonable cost. The garden is an ideal place to relax when the weather is kind or the quiet room when it is not.

The centre has facilities for physiotherapy, yoga, therapeutic massage, hairdressing, bathing, handicrafts and recreation. Extensive literature about MS is available as is confidential one to one support. A small library of books, video tapes and audio cassettes are available to rent for a very small charge. The computer room has several accessible computers with broadband connexion to the internet.  Read more .....